The Fresh Life
« Previous EntriesGluten-free gluttony
Strolling through the local farmers market this past weekend, a small hand started pulling me toward a pile of…
“Cookies!” my son shouted.
But these aren’t any cookies. These are gluten-free cookies made with stuff like brown rice flour and potato fibers.
Oh, and chocolate and mint. They are, after all, Chocolate Mint Wafers from Anna’s Swedish Delights. […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 21, 2008Keep chutney on hand, just in case
We got the call about 15 minutes before everyone was coming over. One of my soon-to-be-guests thought it was nice to give me warning that my husband had invited over the whole crew — and by the way, they were hungry.
Luckily I had crackers on hand, some cheddar, some grapes and….. in the back of […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 30, 2008If one chocolate bar isn’t enough
We all have that one person in our lives. She’s the chocoholic with the candy bar in her desk at work, chocolate chunks in the freezer and an emergency pack of kisses in her purse.
Now there’s a gift just for her.
The giant Taza Gift Box, only $28.50, includes three of its fabulous types of three-ounce […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 23, 2008I found the perfect tea pot
My favorite tea store closed, and I’ve been mildly freaking out, trying to figure out where I could buy another of these fabulous FORLIFE teapots for home.
The one I bought for work is perfect, has a large, stainless-steel well for whole-leaf loose tea and pours better than any teapot I’ve held in my hands. (And […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 12, 2008Tea and dreams of roses
There’s something about spring in the garden that makes me want to sit back and admire my handiwork with a cup of tea.
And maybe after tilling the garden by hand I’ve earned myself some toast and jam.
And while I don’t yet have any rose blossoms, there are plenty all over this Afternoon Tea Gift Basket […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 9, 2008All aboard, we’re eating cake
One of my coworkers, knowing I have a habit of going overboard when it comes to baking children’s birthday cakes, found this lovely item for me.
The Railway Cake Pan from Williams-Sonoma sounds pricey at $34, if you think it’s just a cake pan. I’m calling it an heirloom that’s going to be sturdy enough for […]
Author: Kat Powers | March 29, 2008A starter kit for decadence
Usually, the height of decadence is caviar, and the food from Little Pearl is no exception. But they’re sensible too — selling well-made gift items with their food and supporting sustainable fisheries.
Little Pearl’s rainbow trout caviar has been served at places like Nantucket’s American Seasons, but you can get an ounce served to you for […]
Author: Kat Powers | March 26, 2008Pasta with a bonus
When you want to impress a dinner guest in your home, you’re going to want to hit Capone’s in Somerville.
Some of the best hostesses I know take their time making the table look beautiful, then run down to the local restaurant with a platter matching the table settings and have the pros set up dinner. […]
Author: Kat Powers | March 19, 2008Have a ball with homemade ice cream
Want to be the favorite aunt? Get them sugar. Want to be the aunt who teaches them something? Get them these cool ice cream balls from LL Bean.
Yes, there’s science involved in ice cream. Add rock salt and ice to one end, add things like cream and blueberries to the other. Roll the ball around […]
Author: Kat Powers | March 8, 2008Basting brushes almost pretty enough to eat
Do you cook? Because I cook, just for me or sometimes enough to feed an army, and I’ve had it with the basting thing.
I have tried everything — paint brushes, the business end of a celery stick, a bunch of green onions tied together — and I have not figured out the right way to […]
Author: Kat Powers | February 22, 2008